Power supply device and electronic apparatus employing the same

ABSTRACT

An electronic apparatus and a power supply device used with the electronic apparatus is capable of automatically shutting off power from a power supply to the electronic apparatus when an access cover is opened. The electronic apparatus includes a casing that houses a power control unit therein, and having one end open, an access cover disposed at the casing to open and close the open side of the casing, and a power supply device that connects an external power source to the power control unit. The power supply device shuts the power control unit off from the external power source when the open side is open. Accordingly, when the access cover is opened for the operations such as additional installation of the optional item or replacement of inner parts with new ones, the external power supply is automatically shut off. Therefore, accidents such as electrocution or burns, can be prevented, and damage to the electronic apparatus caused by the electrical shock can also be prevented.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Korean PatentApplication No. 2003-53977, filed on Aug. 5, 2003, the entire content ofwhich is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present general inventive concept relates to an electronicapparatus, and more particularly, to an electronic apparatus having apower supply device which is capable of shutting off a power supply tothe electronic apparatus in response to an access cover separating froma casing to provide the maintenance or repair of the apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, an electronic apparatus has an opening to be opened andclosed by an access cover in order to allow a user to easily add anoptional item in the apparatus or replace inner parts of the apparatuswith new ones.

FIG. 1 illustrates a printer as an example of an electronic apparatus.Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic apparatus 100 includes a casing 110defining an exterior of the electronic device, an access cover 120opening and closing an opening 115 formed in one side of the casing 110,a power cable 10 connected to an external utility power source, and asocket (not shown), into which a plug (not shown) of the power cable 10is removably connected.

The conventional electronic apparatus with the above construction keepsreceiving power supply through the power cable 10 and the socket (notshown) unless there is a separate operation performed to shut off powerfrom the utility power supply. The power supply continues to providepower even when the access cover 120 is open. This is problematicbecause the user may cause shock to the circuits inside, by mistakes orcarelessness, while he/she is working on the maintenance or repair ofthe apparatus in a state that the utility power is being supplied, whichwould then cause a disorder of the apparatus. Also, if the apparatus hasthe inner parts being operated by a high-voltage and at a hightemperature such as in the case of a printer, there is a problem of anaccident such as electrocution or burns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present general inventive concept has been developed in order tosolve the above and/or other drawbacks and problems associated with theconventional arrangement. An aspect of the present general inventiveconcept is to provide an electronic apparatus and a power supply deviceused with the electronic apparatus, which is capable of automaticallyshutting off power from a power supply to the electronic apparatus whenan access cover is opened.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present general inventiveconcept will be set forth in part in the description which follows and,in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned bypractice of the general inventive concept.

The above and/or other aspects of the general inventive concept areachieved by providing an electronic apparatus including a casing tohouse a power control unit therein, and having one end open, an accesscover disposed at the casing to open and close the open side of thecasing, and a power supply device that connects an external power sourceto the power control unit. The power supply device shuts the powercontrol unit off from the external power source when the open side isopen.

Accordingly, when the access cover is opened for the operations such asadditional installation of the optional item or replacement of innerparts with new ones, the external power supply is automatically shutoff. Therefore, accidents, such as electrocution or burns, can beprevented, and damage to the electronic apparatus caused by electricalshocks can also be prevented.

The power supply device may include a first power connection unitdisposed at the access cover and removably connected with the externalpower source, and a second power connection unit disposed inside thecasing and electrically connected to the power control unit. The secondpower connection unit is selectively connected to the first powerconnection unit in accordance with the movements of the access coveropening and closing the open side.

The first power connection unit may include a first connection portionexposed to the outside of the casing when the access cover is closed, tobe removably connected to a plug connected to the external power source,a second connection portion positioned inside the casing when the accesscover is closed, to be remvably connected to the second power connectionunit, and a connection body penetrating through the access cover toelectrically connect the first and the second connection portions.

The connection body may be embodied as a cable, a FPC, and a substrate.

The second power connection unit may include a third connection portionidentical to the plug with respect to its shape, and the secondconnection portion of the first power connection unit may be identicalto the first connection portion with respect to its shape, and thesecond connection portion is removably connected with the thirdconnection portion when the first power connection unit is connectedwith the second power connection unit.

The connections between the first power connection unit and a powercable and between the first power connection unit and the second powerconnection unit may be achieved by using a plug and a socket. However,this should not be considered as limiting, and any embodiment ispossible if removable and safe connection can be guaranteed.

The second and the third connection portions can be connected to anddisconnected from each other in a parallel direction to a direction inwhich the access cover moves to open and close the open side.

The first connection portion and the plug are connected and separatedwith/from each other in a parallel direction to a direction in which theaccess cover moves to open and close the open side. The connection bodyis fixed to the access cover to penetrate through the access cover andhas opposite ends connected with the first and the second connectionportions.

In another embodiment of the general inventive concept, the firstconnection portion and the plug may be connected to and separated fromeach other at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction in whichthe access cover moves to open and close the open side. In this case,the connection body is fixed to the access cover to penetrate throughthe access cover and includes a body that connects the first and thesecond connection portion at a predetermined angle with each other.

The access cover may be removably or pivotably connected to the openside of the casing.

The electronic apparatus may further include a first guide portionformed at one of the access cover and the casing and a second guideportion formed at the other one of the access cover and the casing andcorresponding to the first guide portion. The first and the second guideportions guide a sliding movement of the access cover along a sidesurface of the casing when the access cover is removably mounted on thecasing.

The second power connection unit is disposed on an inner side of thecasing adjacent to the open side to be connected to the first powerconnection unit, and is electrically connected to the power control unitthrough predetermined power connection means.

The electronic apparatus may further include a mounting portion disposedinside the casing to mount an optional item through the open side. Theoptional item may include a network interface card and a memory.

According to another embodiment of the general inventive concept, asocket for an electronic apparatus may include a socket body fixed to acasing of the electronic apparatus, a first connection portion disposedat one side of the socket body exposed to the outside of the electronicapparatus to be removably connected to a first plug of an external powercable, and a second connection portion disposed at the other side of thesocket body provided inside the electronic apparatus to be removablyconnected to a second plug provided inside the electronic apparatus.

The socket body may be disposed at an access cover to open and close thecasing of the electronic apparatus, and the second connection portionand the second plug are connected to and separated from each other inaccordance with the movement of the access cover closing and opening thecasing of the electronic apparatus.

The first connection portion and the second connection portion may beidentical to each other with respect to their shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the present generalinventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated fromthe following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a laser beam printer as an exampleof a conventional electronic apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a partial exterior of a laser beamprinter according to an embodiment of the present general inventiveconcept;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the power supply deviceof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a partial exterior of a laser beamprinter according to another embodiment of the present general inventiveconcept; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a partial exterior of a laser beamprinter according to another embodiment of the present general inventiveconcept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentgeneral inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the likeelements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order toexplain the present general inventive concept by referring to thefigures.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrates a laser beam printer as an example of anelectronic apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the printer 200according to this embodiment may include a casing 210, an access cover220, and a power supply device 240.

Parts such as an image forming unit (not shown), a paper feeder 190, apower control unit 230, and a mounting portion 270 are provided in thecasing 210. The power control unit 230 converts an externally-appliedpower into suitable voltage and electric current for the printer 200,and distributes the voltage and the electric current to the respectiveparts. The mounting portion 270 can be used to mount an optional item290 to extend the function of the electronic apparatus 200. The mountingportion 270 may be omitted/added depending on the kind of the electronicapparatus 200. If the electronic apparatus 200 is a printer as in thisembodiment, a network interface card or a memory card can be mounted asthe optional item 290. Meanwhile, since the image forming unit (notshown) and the paper feeder 190 are identical to those used in generallaser beam printers, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted forconciseness.

An opening 215 is penetratingly formed in one side of the casing 210. Itis preferred that the opening 215 is defined in a position which allowseasy replacement of the inner parts of the electronic apparatus 200 andeasy mounting of the optional item 290. In this embodiment, the opening215 is defined in a position opposite to the mounting portion 270. Inorder to prevent foreign matters from entering into the electronicapparatus 200, it is preferred that the opening 215 is generally closed.Accordingly, the electronic apparatus 200 includes the access cover 220disposed at the casing 210 to open and close the opening 215. The accesscover 220 may take various formations and installing positions accordingto the type and the interior contour of the electronic apparatus 200. Inanother embodiment, the access cover 220 may be slidably connected tothe casing 210 to completely open and close the opening 215. Theseparation/connection of the access cover 220 is achieved by thecooperation of a guide rail 213 disposed on the casing 210 and a slideprotrusion 223 formed on the access cover 220.

The power supply device 240 supplies the power control unit 230 with anexternal utility power, and includes a first power connection unit 250and a second power connection unit 260.

The first power connection unit 250 is shaped as a socket, whichincludes a socket body 251, a first connection portion 253, and a secondconnection portion 255. The first power connection unit 250 is disposedon one side of the access cover 220 to shut off a power supply to thepower control unit 230 in response to the access cover 220 separatingfrom the casing 210. The socket body 251 is fixed to the access cover220 by adequate fixing means. In this embodiment, a fixing protrusion257, integrally formed with the socket body 251, is hooked into a fixinghole 225 of the access cover 220 so that the socket body 251 is fixed tothe access cover 220. The socket body 251 may be omitted if the firstand the second connection portions 253 and 255 are electricallyconnected to each other while penetrating through the access cover 220by predetermined electric connection means such as a cable. The firstconnection portion 253 is formed on one side of the socket body 251which is exposed to the outside of the electronic apparatus when theaccess cover 220 is closing the opening 215, and is removably connectedto a first plug 15 of a power cable 10. The second connection portion255 is formed on the other side of the socket body 251 which ispositioned inside the electronic apparatus 200 when the access cover 220is closing the opening 215, and is separably connected to the secondpower connection unit 260 which will be described later.

The second power connection unit 260 includes a second plug 263removably connected to the second connection portion 255 when the accesscover 220 is closing the opening 215, and a cable 265 electricallyconnecting the second plug 263 to the power control unit 230. The secondplug 263 is fixed to the casing 210 by adequate fixing means such as afixing protrusion 267. Various methods can be used for the fixing of thesecond plug 263, however, the fixing has to make sure that the secondplug 263 is not moved when the second plug 263 is connected to thesecond connection portion 255 of the first power connection unit. If thesecond power connection unit 260 is integrally formed with the powercontrol unit 230, the cable 265 may be omitted.

In this embodiment, the second plug 263 is connected to the secondconnection portion 255 in the same manner as the first plug 15 isconnected to the first connection portion 253. In this case, the firstand the second plugs 15 and 263 are identical to each other in shape,and the first and the second connection portions 253 and 255 are alsoidentical to each other in shape, corresponding to the shapes of thefirst and the second plugs 15 and 263, so that the first and the secondplugs 15 and 263 are not connected to each other. Accordingly, when theaccess cover 220 is open, the first and the second plugs 15 and 263 areprevented from being connected to each other so that the power supply tothe power control unit 230 is prevented.

A direction in which the second plug 263 is connected to the secondconnection portion 255 has to be parallel, or substantially parallel toa direction in which the access cover is mounted on the casing 210. Thesecond plug 263 and the second connection portion 244 are disposed in amanner so that the second plug 263 is fitted into the second connectionportion 255 when the access cover 220 is moved in the direction A to bemounted on the casing 210. Accordingly, when the access cover 220 isseparated from the casing 210, the external utility power supply to thepower supply control unit 230 is automatically shut off. It is notrequired to install an extra locking device to lock the access cover 220onto the casing 210 because the access cover 220 is locked onto thecasing 210 in a closed state by the connection of the second connectionportion 255 and the second plug 263. Therefore, the electronic apparatus200 can be simplified in its construction. A direction in which thefirst plug 15 is connected to the first connection portion 253 may beparallel, or substantially parallel to the direction A in which theaccess cover 220 is mounted on the casing 210 in the same manner as thecase where the second plug 263 is connected to the second connectionportion 255.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an electronic apparatus 300 according toanother embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Theembodiment of FIG. 4 differs from the previous embodiment in that adirection B in which a first connection portion 353 of a first powerconnection unit 350 is connected to the first plug 15 is perpendicular,or substantially perpendicular to the direction A in which the accesscover 220 is connected to the casing 210. In this case, the firstconnection portion 353 and a second connection portion 355 are connectedat a predetermined angle with each other, and a part of a socket body351 is curved. Since the other elements are identical to those of theprevious embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted forconciseness.

FIG. 5 illustrates an electronic apparatus 400 according to anotherembodiment of the present general inventive concept. According to theembodiment of FIG. 5, the electronic apparatus 400 has an access cover420 pivotably hinged on a casing 410 by a hinge assembly 480. Adirection in which the access cover 420 is mounted on the casing 410 isvaried from the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4. Accordingly, a second plug 463and a second connection portion 455 are disposed at positions so thatthey are connected to each other in a direction parallel, orsubstantially parallel to the arrowed direction C.

In the embodiments described above, a printer is exemplified as theelectronic apparatus, but this should not be considered as limiting.That is, the present general inventive concept can be applied to anyapparatus if it includes an access cover to be opened to providemaintenance or repair work, and a first connection unit and a secondconnection unit which are capable of automatically shutting off theexternal power supply when the access cover is open.

As described above, without requiring extra work to shut off theexternal power supply, the power control unit 230 is automaticallydisconnected from the external utility power source when the accesscover 220, 420 of the electronic apparatus 200, 300, 400 is open.Accordingly, when the access cover 220, 420 is opened to provide theoperations such as additional installation of the optional item 290 orreplacement of inner parts with new ones, the operation can be safelyperformed with the external power supply being shut off. Accordingly,accidents, such as electrocution or burns, can be prevented, and damageto the electronic apparatus 200, 300, 400 caused by the electrical shockcan also be prevented.

Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept havebeen shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing fromthe principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope ofwhich is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a casing that houses a powercontrol unit therein and has one side open; an access cover disposed atthe casing to open and close the open side of the casing; and a powersupply device that connects an external power source to the powercontrol unit, wherein the power supply device shuts the power controlunit off from the external power source when the open side is open. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power supply device comprises: afirst power connection unit disposed at the access cover; and a secondpower connection unit disposed inside the casing and electricallyconnected to the power control unit, the second power connection unitbeing selectively connected to the first power connection unit inaccordance with the movements of the access cover opening and closingthe open side.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first connectionunit comprises: a first connection portion exposed to the outside of thecasing when the access cover is closed and removably connectable to anexternal power supply plug of an external power source; a secondconnection portion positioned inside the casing when the access cover isclosed, to be separably connected to the second power connection unit;and a connection body penetrating through the access cover toelectrically connect the first and the second connection portions. 4.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first connection portion and thesecond connection portion are identical to each other in shape.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the access cover is removably connected tothe open side of the casing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thecasing further comprises a hinge assembly that pivotably connects theaccess cover to the casing.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thesecond power connection unit is disposed on an inner side of the casingadjacent to the open side to be connected to the first power connectionunit, and is electrically connected to the power control unit throughpredetermined power connection means.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the power control unit is disposed on an inner side of thecasing adjacent to the open side, and is integrally formed with thesecond power connection unit.
 9. A power supply device used with anelectronic apparatus, comprising: a power control unit mounted in theelectronic apparatus; and a first power connection unit disposed at anaccess cover that opens and closes a casing of the electronic apparatusand is separably connected to an external utility power source, whereinthe first power connection unit is connected to the power control unitwhen the access cover is closed and is disconnected from the powercontrol unit when the access cover is open.
 10. The power supply deviceof claim 9, further comprising a second power connection unit disposedinside the electronic apparatus and electrically connected to the powercontrol unit, wherein the second power connection unit is connected tothe first power connection unit when the access cover is closed.
 11. Thepower supply device of claim 10, wherein the first power connection unitcomprises: a first connection portion exposed to the outside of thecasing when the access cover is closed, to be removably connected to anexternal power supply plug connected to an external power source; asecond connection portion positioned inside the casing when the accesscover is closed, to be separabely connected to the second powerconnection unit; and a connection body penetrating through the accesscover and electrically connecting the first and the second connectionportions.
 12. The power supply device of claim 11, wherein the firstconnection portion and the second connection portion are identical toeach other in shape.
 13. A socket used with an electronic apparatus,comprising: a socket body fixed to a casing of the electronic apparatus;a first connection portion disposed at one side of the socket bodyexposed to the outside of the electronic apparatus to be removablyconnected to a first plug of an external power cable; and a secondconnection portion disposed at another side of the socket body providedinside the electronic apparatus to be removably connected to a secondplug provided inside the electronic apparatus.
 14. The socket of claim13, wherein the socket body is disposed at an access cover that opensand closes the casing of the electronic apparatus, and the secondconnection portion and the second plug are connected to and separatedfrom each other in accordance with the movement of the access coverclosing and opening the casing of the electronic apparatus.
 15. Thesocket of claim 14, wherein the first connection portion and the secondportion are identical to each other in shape.
 16. A printer comprising:a printer body including an opening therein to access an inner portion;a panel to close and open the opening in the printer body; a powercontrol unit to supply power to the printer; and a power supply devicethat connects power from an external power source to the power controlunit when the panel is closed and cuts off power to the power controlunit when the panel is open.
 17. The printer of claim 16, wherein thepower supply device comprises: a first power connection unit disposed atan inner portion of the panel to cut off power to the power control unitwhen the panel is open; and a second power connection unit disposed atan inner portion of the printer body to connect the first powerconnection unit to the power control unit when the panel is closed. 18.The printer of claim 17, wherein the first power connection unitcomprises: a first connection portion positioned on an inner side of thepanel and communicating with an outer side portion of the panel; and asecond connection portion connected to the first connection portion andpositioned on the inner side of the panel to connect the firstconnection portion with the second power connection unit when the panelcloses the opening of the printer.
 19. The printer of claim 18, whereinthe first connection portion and the second connection portion areconnected to each other by a cable.
 20. The printer of claim 18, whereinthe first connection portion and the second connection portion areconnected with each other by a socket body.
 21. The printer of claim 20,wherein the socket body has an L shape.
 22. The printer of claim 18,wherein the second power connection unit comprises: a cable connected tothe power control unit; and a plug connected to the cable at a first endand connectable to the second connection portion at another end when thepanel closes the opening of the printer.
 23. The printer of claim 16,further comprising: guide rails positioned at the open side of theprinter body; and slide protrusions positioned at an inner side of thepanel to slide into respective guide rails to connect the panel to theprinter body.
 24. The printer of claim 16, further comprising hingesrotatably connecting the panel to the printer body at the openingtherein.